Chapter 31 Happiness for Cheaters? and Mother Prepares for Battle

Happiness for Cheaters? and Mother Prepares for Battle

Miyuki’s PoV

Senpai called me, so I quickly got dressed and left the house.

Since the meeting was in the entertainment district, wearing my school uniform would have instantly drawn the police's attention.

To avoid that, I tried to dress as maturely as possible.

Today, I wore a fancy navy-blue one-piece dress, something Senpai had once taught me to choose.

After all, my style had been greatly influenced by him.

At school, I played the role of a serious class vice president, but deep down, I was cunning. I loved sneaking out at night, playing in the city without getting caught by the police.

“Hey, Miyuki. Where are you going? It’s getting dark. It’s not safe for a girl to be out alone.”

My secret meetings with Senpai usually happened when my mother worked night shifts, but not today.

I wanted to keep this hidden and enjoy myself as much as possible, but this time, luck wasn’t on my side.

Under normal circumstances, I might have turned down Senpai’s invitation because of my mother. But with the situation involving Eiji weighing on me, I wanted to forget everything in Senpai’s arms, even if just for a little while.

“I’m sorry. Someone very dear to me called me.”

“Miyuki, there’s something off about you. It’s been like this for days. Is it something with Eiji-kun?”

The moment my mother mentioned Eiji’s name, it felt as though all the blood drained from my body.

“Eiji has nothing to do with this!”

I surprised myself by raising my voice at my mother. She looked like she was about to cry.

“What’s wrong with you? Why are you shouting all of a sudden?”

“Just leave me alone! I’m a high school student now, so don’t interfere too much!”

Shaking off her clinging arms, I stormed out the front door with all the strength I could muster. Almost fleeing the house, I headed to the station and boarded the train to meet Kondo-senpai.

“Kondo-senpai!”

I hurried to the fast-food restaurant near the station, where we had agreed to meet. Kondo-senpai was already there, dressed in a casual jersey after practice. It wasn’t his school’s designated jersey, and his large frame made him look like a college student. He had likely stored his school bag in a coin locker.

Never carry bags, uniforms, or jerseys bearing your school’s name in the Entertainment District.

“Oh, you’re early,” Kondo-senpai said.

He seemed to have finished his cheeseburger and fries. Good—at least I hadn’t kept him waiting too long.

“Thanks for waiting.”

“So, what do you want to do now? Let’s hit the arcade.”

I’d always been afraid to go near an arcade in a place like this, but with Senpai around, I felt safe. That sense of security was what made him different from Eiji.

“What’s wrong?” Kondo-senpai asked, a knowing smile on his face.

Encouraged by his warmth, I answered, “I don’t want to go home today.”

Kondo-senpai nodded, his smile widening in agreement.

Eiji’s Mother PoV

I would do anything for Eiji. As I made up my mind, the phone rang. It was someone I trusted.

“It’s been a while, Minami-san.”

[I read your message. Is it true? Is Eiji-kun being bullied at school?]

Minami-san had been an ally to my late husband. Despite the age difference, we trusted each other like best friends. On the phone, he sounded as vibrant and energetic as ever, even though he was over 70.

After my husband passed, he took it upon himself to help me care for my children, almost like a grandfather to them. I was certain he would help us.

“It appears to be true. The principal and Eiji’s homeroom teacher will visit tomorrow during lunch to discuss the matter.”

[Unbelievable. How could anyone bully such a kind boy like Eiji-kun? I’ve met his school principal many times—he’s a colleague of mine and an excellent educator. I’m sure he’ll help. How is Eiji? He must be hurting. I can’t forgive those responsible. If there’s anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.]

“Thank you. It’s a relief to hear you say that.”

His words brought tears to my eyes.

[From my time as mayor, I still have strong ties with the county superintendent and the education commissioner. They will support us. Your late husband, Mamoru, was one of this city’s most respected citizens. I’ll protect Eiji-kun, his legacy, with everything I have.]

The former mayor’s reassurance gave me strength.